# Scene IV explained — Cymbeline

> Chapter companion for Cymbeline by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Imogen, devastated by Posthumus's letter ordering her death, confronts Pisanio. Pisanio reveals his loyalty, refusing to kill her, and proposes she disguise herself as a boy named Fidele to serve the Roman ambassador Lucius. Imogen agrees, and Pisanio gives her a box of medicine from the Queen before they part.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Pisanio's refusal to carry out the murder order contrasts with Posthumus's betrayal of Imogen's trust.

### Identity and Disguise

Imogen decides to disguise herself as a boy, Fidele, to escape danger and seek Posthumus.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Posthumus believes false proof of Imogen's infidelity, while she remains faithful.

## Character check-ins

### Imogen

Heartbroken by Posthumus's accusation, she pleads for death but ultimately agrees to disguise herself as a boy.

### Pisanio

Loyal to Imogen, he refuses to kill her and devises a plan for her to escape to Milford Haven.

### Posthumus Leonatus

Mentioned as the author of the murder letter, falsely believing Imogen unfaithful.

### Cloten

Referenced by Imogen as a 'harsh, noble, simple nothing' whose love-suit she fears.

### Queen

Implied as the source of the box of medicine given to Pisanio for Imogen.

### Caius Lucius

The Roman ambassador to whom Imogen plans to present herself in disguise.

### Iachimo

Accused by Imogen of falsely accusing Posthumus of incontinency, now seen as a villain.

## Key lines

> though those that are betray’d Do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor Stands in worse case of woe.

Betrayed people suffer, but the betrayer suffers even more.

_Imogen reflects on the moral pain of betrayal._

> I have heard I am a strumpet; and mine ear, Therein false struck, can take no greater wound.

I've been called a whore; my ear, already wounded by that lie, cannot be hurt more.

_Imogen expresses her anguish at being falsely accused._

> You must forget to be a woman; change Command into obedience: fear and niceness— The handmaids of all women—into a waggish courage.

You must abandon your feminine nature, replacing obedience and timidity with boldness and wit.

_Pisanio advises Imogen on how to act like a man._

> I see into thy end, and am almost A man already.

I understand your plan, and I'm already nearly a man in spirit.

_Imogen eagerly embraces the disguise._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters